Political Dialogue and Transformation

Political transformation, political transition, and democratization have been at the core of Ethiopia’s political agenda since the 1960s. Beginning in 1991, Ethiopia has been undergoing a political transition with the aim of moving towards a consolidated democracy. The efforts to deepen this transition intensified after 2018, but significant structural, legal, institutional, cultural, and capacity-related challenges persist. While there are programs aimed at political transformation and democratization, the progress made so far hence still reflects the many challenges faced.

As a social democratic institution, FES is dedicated to advancing democracy and social justice. In our efforts to foster democratic governance, we focus on democratic processes, institutions, and key stakeholders in Ethiopia’s political system and society. We support existing political transformation initiatives and collaborate with our partners from civil society, political parties, or the government on this. For example, we engage with communities across Ethiopia, gathering the voices of marginalized groups to ensure their perspectives are included in the National Dialogue. This way, FES and its partners aim to make the official process of national reconciliation and political transformation as inclusive as possible. Additionally, we organize programs and events to help members of marginalized groups gain access to political resources. Finally, FES facilitates democratic dialogue, research, and building of alliances in Ethiopia and beyond to inform and facilitate processes of political transformation.

Fostering political dialogue and transformation remains complicated due to the many challenges Ethiopia faces today. However, FES stays committed to support inclusive dialogue, marginalized communities, and democratic governance for a peaceful and democratic future​.